How long does a whole-house generator last?

<div>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

<div>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:<ul><li>Refrigerator: 600 watts</li><li>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</li><li>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</li><li>Water heater: 3,000 watts</li></ul>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </div>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

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Q: How much does a whole-house generator cost?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">Installing a whole-house generator costs</a> about $5,000 on average. Prices range from $1,550 to $8,500, depending on size, brand, fuel type, and assembly. The size of your whole-house generator is the most significant cost factor, with large homes with high energy demands costing the most to power. Types of whole-home generators include:<ul><li>Portable generators with 1kW&ndash;7.5kW capacity: $500&ndash;$2,000</li><li>Partial generators with 9kW&ndash;20kW capacity: $2,000&ndash;$6,300</li><li>Whole-house generators with 22kW&ndash;48kW: $5,000&ndash;$18,000</li></ul></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

There are 16 highly-rated local generator installers.

Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Cleveland, OH

*The Angi rating for Generator Installation companies in Cleveland, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Installation companies in Cleveland, OH is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Installation needs.

Last update on June 12, 2025

Reviewed in October 2023
It went great. We purchased our home knowing the electrical was outdated. We hired ALR Construction to update our wiring for our whole home. They reran everything along with installing new gfci’s, and dimmer switches. They updated my electrical panel, and breakers. I also had them install a...
ALR Construction
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Reviewed in July 2014
Great as always! Today Chester #830 and Jay #858 were my service men. They were friendly, pleasant, professional, & competent. They explained everything in detail and even showed me before and after pictures of my duct cleaning. When they finished, they cleaned up and replaced everything...
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in April 2020
Great! Travis is personable and explains what will take place, then let’s me know when work is complete. Leaves clean work site.
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in November 2016
The technician was very thorough and did all the service items for the generator, including changing the oil and filter. He performed tests so we know that everything is running properly. He also did a thorough check of our electrical panels and made some suggestions such as installing a GFI...
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in February 2013
We have always been pleased with the services provided and the personnel we have dealt with.
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in September 2013
They were fast and they definitely cleaned up and they fixed the problem. They had a good demeanor, the technician was very informative about what he had to do and what the furnace needed and he took care of it. They were very professional.
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in January 2014
Excellent Technician/Company. A customer for 25+ years. Glenn was an excellent technician. Must use company for NE Ohio
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in October 2016
In all cases we have found the blind service people to be courteous, knowledgeable and professional. They are prompt and always clean up after themselves. They get back to us when they say they will. I really like that I can call one company for the majority of my home maintenance items. They...
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in March 2014
The electrician, Dan Cain, was excellent--answering our questions simply, yet thoroughly. After the gas was connected, our heat did not go back on, and Dan called the gas installer and stayed until he was certain all was back to normal. He's very conscientious. We have been pleased with his...
Blind And Sons LLC
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Reviewed in October 2020
Went well, except still waiting on a defective board that switches to the generator when the power goes off.
JENNINGS HEATING & COOLING
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